Where is the fountain that throws up these flowers in a ceaseless outbreak of ecstasy? ~ Rabindranath Tagore
Having no fountain or other real water feature (other than a birdbath), my garden depends on faux representations of water to recreate the serenity of the Japanese-style garden. One trick I like to employ is using hostas in blue pots that evoke a cool, spray-like feeling. Another trick is to plant a stone pot full of plumbago with a topiary form that forces the plumbago to assume the appropriate fountain appearance. Plumbago is, of course, tropical, so being in a northern climate, I grow it as an annual. Its lovely sprays of true blue flowers are very soothing to the eye.
Perfect relief on a hot, humid, midsummer day.
